Dawson Knox: The Reliable Tight End for the Buffalo Bills
As an NFL analyst, I'm always intrigued by the tight end position and the impact it can have on a team's success. And when it comes to the Buffalo Bills' tight end group, one player who stands out is Dawson Knox. In this article, I'll take a deep dive into Knox's career, his role with the Bills, and why he's a valuable asset to the team.
A Solid Career So Far
Knox, a 29-year-old tight end, has had a steady career in the NFL. Drafted by the Bills in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he has quickly become a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen. With 8 years of experience, Knox has established himself as a consistent performer, especially in the 2025 season where he stepped up in place of an injured Dalton Kincaid. His 49 targets, 36 receptions, 417 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns were all season-highs since his Pro Bowl 2022 season.
A Cap-Friendly Deal
One of the key factors in Knox's continued presence with the Bills is his salary cap situation. After renegotiating a three-year deal worth $20 million, his 2026 cap hit was lowered to $8,551,333, a significant reduction from his previous deal. This makes him a cap-friendly player, which is crucial for the Bills' salary cap management. However, if they were to release him, they would be on the hook for a dead cap charge of $17.404 million.
A Versatile Tight End
Knox is a versatile tight end who can do it all. While he isn't the mauler that Jackson Hawes is as a blocker, he is more than capable of mixing it up with linebackers and defensive linemen in-line. And while he isn't the seam-stretcher that Kincaid is, he can take a short pass and turn it into first-down yardage. His ability to be a balanced tight end is a big reason why the Bills decided to keep him on the roster.
Leadership and Rapport
Knox is also a leader in the locker room, even if he doesn't wear the captain's "C" on his chest. His longest-tenured pass-catcher status and franchise record-holding in receiving touchdowns for a tight end have built a strong rapport with quarterback Josh Allen. This rapport is crucial for a quarterback-tight end relationship, and it's clear that Knox has earned the trust of his quarterback.
A Reliable Insurance Policy
Knox is a great insurance policy for the Bills, especially with the injury woes of Dalton Kincaid. While he isn't an All-Pro or a fantasy football draft pick, he is a reliable player who can make a big play or three to help the Bills win. His leadership, versatility, and rapport with the quarterback make him a valuable asset to the team.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Dawson Knox is a great glue guy for the Buffalo Bills. His steady career, cap-friendly deal, and versatility make him a valuable asset to the team. While he may not be an All-Pro, he is a reliable player who can make a big impact when needed. As the Bills continue to build their roster, Knox will be a key player in their success.
